Marathon Preorder Update Fixes Unexpected Destiny 2 Installation Bug

🚀 Marathon’s Long Road Back Into the Spotlight

After years of development challenges, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} is finally approaching release. First revealed in 2023, the project faced multiple setbacks, including internal restructuring, public controversies, and mixed reactions to early gameplay reveals. These hurdles ultimately led :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} to delay the game out of 2025 in order to rework core systems like AI behavior, combat flow, visuals, and social features.

That extra development time appears to have paid off. Recent showcases highlight noticeable improvements across the board, signaling a more polished experience than what players tested previously.

🛠️ The Destiny 2 Preorder Bug Explained

Following the reveal of Marathon’s official release date and special editions, Bungie confirmed that the game was available for preorder on Steam. However, players quickly noticed something odd: preordering Marathon triggered an automatic installation of :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Since Marathon and Destiny 2 are separate titles, the unexpected install left many fans confused. Speculation spread quickly online, ranging from jokes to conspiracy theories about Bungie intentionally boosting Destiny 2’s player numbers.

Bungie soon clarified the situation, confirming it was a technical bug rather than intentional behavior.

🔧 Bug Fixes and Collector’s Edition Updates

The Marathon development team announced that a fix had already been deployed. With the update live:

Preordering Marathon no longer triggers a Destiny 2 installation on Steam
Collector’s Edition owners can now activate their Steam codes without errors
Preorder behavior now functions as intended across supported platforms

The quick response helped prevent the issue from overshadowing Marathon’s broader rollout.

🎮 Momentum Builds Toward Launch

With its revised release window set for March, Marathon appears to be regaining traction. The latest re-reveal showcased:

Expanded content compared to earlier builds
Highly requested features such as proximity voice chat
Improved lighting, visuals, and overall presentation
A notable voice cast featuring well-known industry talent

To help players decide, Bungie also announced an Open Preview weekend ahead of launch, giving the community hands-on access before committing to a purchase.

⚠️ Destiny 2’s Uncertain Near Future

While Marathon gains momentum, concerns are growing within the Destiny 2 community. Despite positive reception to recent expansions, reports suggest that Destiny 2’s next major update may have been delayed to prioritize Marathon’s development.

Adding to the uncertainty:

A previously expected update has not been officially rescheduled
No clear roadmap has been shared for 2026
Players remain unsure how Bungie plans to balance support between both titles

Until Bungie provides more clarity, questions about Destiny 2’s long-term direction are likely to persist.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Marathon preorder bug was brief but highly visible, underscoring how closely Bungie’s major franchises are watched by fans. With the issue now resolved, attention shifts back to Marathon itself—a project that seems far stronger after its extended development time. As launch approaches, Bungie’s next challenge will be balancing excitement for Marathon while reassuring Destiny 2 players about the future of their game.